Congress ‘goes local’, flies under Modi’s radar, and overpowers rebellion in BJP
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (right) with state party chief Pratibha Singh in Mandi; (Photo: ANI | Graphic: Tanmay Chakraborty)
IThe season’s first snow cover has arrived in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and meteorologists are keeping a close eye on how the winter progresses. The days so far have been very warm—talking about weather here—but the mid-Himalayan state seems on course for a white New Year. Meanwhile, on December 8, temperatures were rising on the Shimla Ridge as local Congressmen brought out celebratory marigold garlands, and beat them. drums And trumpeted a rare moment of triumph on the curved horns of ranasingha, Yes, Himachal Pradesh has a tendency to jump from one party to another every five years—and it kept that pattern alive this time—but then a win against the BJP doesn’t come every day for the Congress. This comes after four years of electoral depression: the last time the Grand Old Party won an assembly election on its own was in 2018. So, for the cadre and leadership, the fine print could wait. For now, enthusiasm was in order. However small a part Himachal represented on the political map of India, and however small the actual difference in votes, it looked like spring.